Rajasthani miniatures, though the earliest known ones are of a much recent late 16th century origin and betray considerable influence of Mughal art which had attained by then great perfection, fall in the line with Ajanta murals and Gupta sculptures wherein feeling dominates the form, interior characterises the exterior, emotions command motions, and lines and colors conveys something deeper contained within. Stylistic influence of Mughal art constitutes only the body, the outer casement of a Rajasthani miniature, Rajasthan, her people, the character of her soil, her culture, life-style, traditions, colors, climate, always enshrining as its soul. Rajasthani painters, it seems, did not see their subject with a cameratic eye copying just the surface. Descending deep into its soul they sought to recreate it in its absoluteness, with all that was within and all that was without. Abul Fazl, Akbar's court-historian, has rightly observed in his Ain-I-Akbari that things in paintings from Rajasthan spoke of something more than what they ordinarily meant.

Mughal influence, howsoever decisive it was, thus remained confined to mere stylistic innovations in Rajasthani paintings, their main inspiration coming from the Jain paintings of the neighboring Gujarat with whom Rajasthan seems to have shares some of her early, though otherwise late, Jain Kalpasutra paintings which were mostly votive rendered out of devotion receded to the 5th century. The Rajasthani painter, with a mind inspired by such votive and devotional ancient art cult, while seeking to recreate his own world, unknowingly sought from his Ajanta, Gupta and Gujarat Kalpa-sutra predecessor his art vision, and made Rajasthani miniatures, a comparatively late school of Indian art, an instrument of the essential ancient mind.

Rajasthani miniatures, though the earliest known ones are of a much recent late 16th century origin and betray considerable influence of Mughal art which had attained by then great perfection, fall in the line with Ajanta murals and Gupta sculptures wherein feeling dominates the form, interior characterises the exterior, emotions command motions, and lines and colors conveys something deeper contained within. Stylistic influence of Mughal art constitutes only the body, the outer casement of a Rajasthani miniature, Rajasthan, her people, the character of her soil, her culture, life-style, traditions, colors, climate, always enshrining as its soul. Rajasthani painters, it seems, did not see their subject with a cameratic eye copying just the surface. Descending deep into its soul they sought to recreate it in its absoluteness, with all that was within and all that was without. Abul Fazl, Akbar's court-historian, has rightly observed in his Ain-I-Akbari that things in paintings from Rajasthan spoke of something more than what they ordinarily meant.

Mughal influence, howsoever decisive it was, thus remained confined to mere stylistic innovations in Rajasthani paintings, their main inspiration coming from the Jain paintings of the neighboring Gujarat with whom Rajasthan seems to have shares some of her early, though otherwise late, Jain Kalpasutra paintings which were mostly votive rendered out of devotion receded to the 5th century. The Rajasthani painter, with a mind inspired by such votive and devotional ancient art cult, while seeking to recreate his own world, unknowingly sought from his Ajanta, Gupta and Gujarat Kalpa-sutra predecessor his art vision, and made Rajasthani miniatures, a comparatively late school of Indian art, an instrument of the essential ancient mind.

Testimonials

Very grateful for this service, of making this precious treasure of Haveli Sangeet for ThakurJi so easily in the US. Appreciate the fact that notation is provided.

Leena, USA.

The Bhairava painting I ordered by Sri Kailash Raj is excellent. I have been purchasing from Exotic India for well over a decade and am always beyond delighted with my extraordinary purchases and customer service. Thank you.

Marc, UK

I have been buying from Exotic India for years and am always pleased and excited to receive my packages.
Thanks for the quality products.

Delia, USA

As ever, brilliant price and service.

Howard, UK.

The best and fastest service worldwide - I am in Australia and I put in a big order of books (14 items) on a Wednesday; it was sent on Friday and arrived at my doorstep early on Monday morning - amazing! All very securely packed in a very strong cardboard box. I have bought several times from Exotic India and the service is always exceptionally good. THANK YOU and NAMASTE!

Charles (Rudra)

I just wanted to say that this is I think my 3rd (big) order from you, and the last two times I received immaculate service, the books arrived well and it has been a very pleasant experience. Just wanted to say thanks for your efficient service.

Shantala, Belgium

Thank you so much EXOTIC INDIA for the wonderfull packaging!! I received my order today and it was gift wrapped with so much love and taste in a beautiful golden gift wrap and everything was neat and beautifully packed.
Also my order came very fast... i am impressed! Besides selling fantastic items, you provide an exceptional customer service and i will surely purchase again from you!
I am very glad and happy :)
Thank you,
Salma

Salma, Canada.

Artwork received today. Very pleased both with the product quality and speed of delivery. Many thanks for your help.

Carl, UK.

I wanted to let you know how happy we are with our framed pieces of Shree Durga and Shree Kali. Thank you and thank your framers for us.
By the way, this month we offered a Puja and Yagna to the Ardhanarishwara murti we purchased from you last November. The Brahmin priest, Shree Vivek Godbol, who was visiting LA preformed the rites. He really loved our murti and thought it very paka.
I am so happy to have found your site , it is very paka and trustworthy. Plus such great packing and quick shipping. Thanks for your service Vipin, it is a pleasure.

Gina, USA

My marble statue of Durga arrived today in perfect condition, it's such a beautiful statue. Thanks again for giving me a discount on it, I'm always very pleased with the items I order from you. You always have the best quality items.